Locals are plentiful in postseason

Tuesday

Jan 14, 2014 at 12:01 AM

Here are some random thoughts for a Tuesday:

Bob Highfill

Here are some random thoughts for a Tuesday:

» Several local connections in the NFL Divisional playoffs last weekend: Stockton's Peter Morelli was the referee of the Patriots-Colts game, Stockton's Julius Thomas caught six passes for 76 yards in the Broncos' win over San Diego, the Chargers have Stockton's Lavelle Hawkins, though he was inactive Sunday, Panthers coach Ron Rivera is represented by Stockton-based sports agent Frank Bauer, and offensive lineman Amini Silatolu, who went to West High and Delta College, plays for Carolina, though he spent much of the season on injured reserve and did not suit up against the 49ers.

» The AFC Championship game features two stalwart, certain Hall of Fame quarterbacks - Denver's Peyton Manning and New England's Tom Brady. And the NFC Championship game features two standout QBs of the new guard - San Francisco's Colin Kaepernick and Seattle's Russell Wilson. Quite a contrast. Should be a fun Sunday.

»The Seahawks have blocked ticket sales for Sunday's title game to California residents. There are some available in the secondary market. On Monday, they ranged from $419 to $7,000 each on Ticketmaster.

» The Alabama Crimson Tide is on a roll, downward as it may be, with two losses to end the season and coach Nick Saban hiring Lane Kiffin as offensive coordinator. Can't understand how Kiffin keeps landing big-time jobs.

» The Kings seem pleased to have forward Rudy Gay, but his previous team, Toronto, hasn't missed him. Since Gay was traded to Sacramento on Dec. 8, the Raptors are 13-5, the best record in that span in the Eastern Conference.

» Dennis Rodman, "The Worm," slithered to an all-time low, organizing a basketball game last week in North Korea for the amusement of dictator Kim Jong Un. Rodman even sang "Happy Birthday" to the man who recently had his uncle executed. Wish Rodman's U.S. passport was stamped "No Return."

» Mark McGwire continues to slip in Baseball Hall of Fame voting. Maybe he could take something to boost his numbers.

» A-Rod doesn't know when to quit. He's suing MLB and the players' association in an effort to reduce his 162-game drug suspension. If that doesn't work, he'll probably sue the fans.

» The jersey worn by former Duke basketball star Christian Laettner when he made a turnaround, buzzer-beater to top Kentucky in the 1992 NCAA tournament, one of the most famous shots in college basketball, recently sold for $119,500 in an online auction. Doubt anyone in Lexington, Ky., got it, as that had to be one of the worst days ever for Wildcats fans.

» The Winter Classic between Detroit and Toronto on Jan. 1 turned a $20 million profit, according to Sports Business Journal. Most of the revenue came from ticket sales - 105,491 sold on a frigid day at Michigan Stadium. Look for more games in similar venues in the future.